Shelter-In-Place Order Issued After Train Derailment Causes Leak Of Hazardous Chemical

A train derailment in Kentucky involving 31 cars caused a brief shelter-in-place order after dangerous chemicals leaked onto the tracks.

The derailment occurred in Todd County around 7 a.m. local time, with the shelter-in-place order in effect until 11 a.m.

At least one freight car leaked molten sulfur, which can cause severe burns and release harmful gases.

Backup here if needed:

WATCH: Aerial footage shows dozens of damaged cars piled up after 31-car CSX train derailment in Trenton, Kentucky https://t.co/z57bHtuOYC pic.twitter.com/Jn4fAF5lVz

— Rapid Report (@RapidReport2025) December 30, 2025

More from the New York Post:

Images from the scene of the wreck show the banged-up freight cars blocking the railroad tracks, with the white chemical leaking from at least one car.

Officials said the scene was brought under control and the shelter order was lifted around 11 a.m., with no injuries or damage to nearby homes reported.

“It could have been catastrophic,” Todd County Executive Todd Mansfield WZTV News.

Austin Staton, a spokesman for CSX Transportation, one of the leading rail companies in the country, told The Post on Tuesday that the incident is under investigation.

“Kentucky, there has been a train derailment in Todd County, and local emergency management has issued a shelter-in-place order for the City of Trenton. Please follow local guidance and stay safe. More information will be shared as available for those in the surrounding area,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said.

Kentucky, there has been a train derailment in Todd County, and local emergency management has issued a shelter-in-place order for the City of Trenton. Please follow local guidance and stay safe. More information will be shared as available for those in the surrounding area.

— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) December 30, 2025

More photos below:

#BREAKING No injuries in fiery Kentucky train derailment, shelter-in-place now lifted. https://t.co/msfeVlTjet

(Photo: Hopkinsville Fire Department) pic.twitter.com/OYfFrr8aIT

— FoxNashville (@FOXNashville) December 30, 2025

Wow! This is the view from Sky 5 of the train derailment in Trenton, KY.

31 CSX train cars derailed around 7 am Tuesday. Thankfully no one was hurt.

An evacuation notice in the half mile radius was issued this morning but has now been rescinded. pic.twitter.com/vuJLxibgLk

— Chris Davis NC5 (@ChrisDavisMMJ) December 30, 2025

WLWT shared further:

Molten sulfur is highly flammable and the chemical produces sulfur dioxide gas, which can cause eye and skin irritation and possibly temporary incapacitation.

It’s unclear what led to the derailment. Officials say that’s where they are turning now after making sure the area is safe.

The remaining cars, about 60-70, that didn’t derail will need to be transported, so the railway will remain closed for some time.

WLWT provided video coverage:

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